What are Kumquats?

Kumquats (Citrus japonica) are the fruits of a small tree in the Rutaceae family. These small citrus fruits resemble oranges to a certain degree, both inside and out, although they are smaller in size than most orange varieties. These shrubs or small trees are native to the Asian-pacific region, where they have been grown and cultivated for thousands of years. They didn’t make it to Europe or the Americas until the 19th century but have spread extensively since then.

There are different types of kumquats, but the most common one is the round kumquat variety, which looks like a small orange. Due to the sweet flavor, they are used for garnishing, cocktails, jams, jellies, preservatives, candies, and desserts.

Various types of liquor and liqueur are made from the fruits. Brines and extracts of kumquats have been used for various medicinal purposes over the years for sore throats and respiratory issues. The various essential oils, organic compounds, and nutrients are what have led to such diverse applications of these tiny citrus fruits in traditional medicines throughout the world.

Health Benefits

Kumquats have many amazing health benefits. Let us discuss them in detail below.

Aid in Digestion

One of the major functions of kumquats is their role in regulating digestion. 8 kumquats are equivalent to 10 grams of fiber and eating a handful of them isn’t a tough thing to do! This amount of fiber helps to keep yourgastrointestinal tract moving and regulates your digestion. It can help to eliminate constipation, excess gas, bloating, and cramping and increase the efficiency of your nutrient uptake. The fiber in these fruits can also help protect against inflammatory bowel disease.

Control Diabetes

Flavonoid extracts in kumquats were found to lower the blood lipid levels in obese rats, according to research studies done on laboratory rats by the University in Changsha, China. A Michigan State University report said that kumquats are a great addition to your winter diet as it has low sugar content, low sodium, zero cholesterol, and 0.1 grams of fat. Its high level of dietary fiber benefits both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Boost Immunity

Kumquats impact the immune system in a number of ways as they are rich in vitamin C, just like oranges! A study conducted in Switzerland on “Vitamin C and Immune Function” clearly states that the vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and behaves as a co-factor for biosynthetic enzymes. It also helps to stimulate the growth of new cells and boosts the immune system to protect your body from infections, bacteria, and fungi. Without vitamin C as our first line of defense, we would not only be unable to protect ourselves, but we also wouldn’t be able to heal.

Skin Care

The combination of antioxidants and vitamins in kumquats make them ideal for protecting the skin from cancerous effects of the sun and negative effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkles, age spots, and rough, unhealthy skin. Kumquats, like many citrus fruits, can have a great effect on the appearance and feel of your skin because of the high levels of vitamin C.

Eye Care

Kumquats are a rich source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are closely connected to vision health. Beta-carotene works as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress in the macular cells, thereby limiting macular degeneration and reducing the development of cataracts.

Build Strong Bones

The significant calcium content in kumquats helps to protect your bones over a long term. High calcium levels in your body increase the rate of healing and ensure that your bones stay healthy and strong well into the old age.

Boost Energy

You wouldn’t expect kumquats to be so rich in carbohydrates, but they are! Carbohydrates are essential for replenishing our energy reserves in a simple way. These fruits can provide that burst of energy in our diets, while also giving us all the other benefits too! The high level of riboflavin, a key vitamin involved in the production of energy, makes this process even easier.

Weight Loss

Kumquats are rich in fiber, water, and carbs, and are low in calories. Hence, are an ideal food for people trying to lose weight. They will fill you up and keep you healthy, which will reduce your urge to overeat.

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, and publisher who earned his English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana (USA). He is the co-founder of a literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and calls the most beautiful places in the world his office. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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